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154<br />

Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />

Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />

Regular Freemasonry in Belgium<br />

Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />

Rue Royale 265<br />

1030 Brussels<br />

Phone: +32 (0)2-218 46 16<br />

Fax: +32 (0)2-233 16 35<br />

Link, e-mail: rglb@skynet.be<br />

Freemasonry in Belgium consists of a wide range of Masonic obedience’s:<br />

(A) Grand Orient of Belgium, (B) Grand Lodge of Belgium, (C)<br />

Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium, and (D) Women’s Grand Lodge of Belgium.<br />

History of the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium:<br />

Disappointed by their experience in the Grand Lodge they had come from, the founders of the new Obedience<br />

wanted to avoid any ambiguity once and for all. The constitution, therefore, defined with great accuracy the<br />

universal Principles of Regularity which the Regular Grand Lodge adhered to.<br />

Their Constitution declared, among other things:<br />

1. Freemasonry affirms the existence of God, a Supreme Being whom it calls the Great Architect of the<br />

Universe. It demands all of its members to acknowledge this affirmation. This requirement is absolute and<br />

admits no compromise or restriction. Freemasonry does not define the Supreme Being and leaves its members<br />

free to form their own opinion of Him.<br />

2. Freemasonry is an initiatic association which, through its symbolic teaching, heightens men spiritually and<br />

morally, and so contributes to improving humanity by practicing the ideals of peace and brotherly love.<br />

3. All Masonic work is done “To the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe” and in the presence of the<br />

Three Great Lights of Freemasonry: the Volume of the Sacred Law under the Square and Compasses, upon<br />

which all obligations must be taken.<br />

This clearly indicates that the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium strictly adheres to traditional Masonic ideals.<br />

Furthermore, it stresses that it is an initiatic association, detached from disputes that divide the outside world.<br />

This implies the express reference to the divinity, the initiatic search on the path of spirituality, the prohibition<br />

of political religious discussions in the Lodge and the prohibition to participate in activities of non-Recognized<br />

Obediences. This may be viewed by some as severe, but it meets principles that are accepted world-wide and<br />

which comply with Masonic tradition.<br />

In view of the initiatic character of their activities, Freemasons of the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium do not<br />

allow visitors who do not accept the Landmarks of Regular Freemasonry. Indeed, these visitors could not<br />

participate in activities which they do not subscribe to. On the other hand, members of the Regular Grand Lodge<br />

do not attend the meetings of non-Recognised Freemasons. This does not mean that these Masons should be<br />

rejected or repudiated. It simply stems from the nature itself of the Royal Art: a Masonic meeting is not just a<br />

gathering of friends. It is an initiatic event. Anyone who can make the distinction between the sacred space in<br />

which the Lodge works, and the exterior, also understands the sense of the dividing line between his (Regular)<br />

Lodge and the outside world. If one wants to enter into relationships with Irregular Freemasons, this should take<br />

place elsewhere than in a Masonic context.<br />

Masonic tradition allows only men to be initiated. This is a strict application of ancient initiatic rules and<br />

customs, older than Masonry itself. Moreover, there are other Masonic organizations open to women and some<br />

exclusively for women. Like other Irregular Obediences, they are worthy of our appreciation.<br />

The Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium has forty-four lodges (2006), divided over the 10 provinces of the<br />

country. It is recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England, Mother Grand Lodge of Freemasonry, and<br />

practically all Regular Grand Lodges worldwide.

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